In a significant shift from its typical release schedule, Apple is rumored to be postponing the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 18 series until 2027. This news comes from various reports, including insights from its supplier, Pegatron, suggesting the iPhone 18 won't hit the market this year as previously expected.
According to Pegatron's comments during their Q2 2026 earnings call, while the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set to debut next month, the base model—the iPhone 18—is anticipated to arrive between January and March 2027. Initially, many speculated that the iPhone 18 would be introduced as early as March 2026, indicating a significant delay.
Apple iPhone 17
One crucial factor behind the decision to postpone the iPhone 18's launch is the ongoing shortage of chipsets and memory, which has been driving up smartphone prices. In addition, reports indicate that a bottleneck in the semiconductor manufacturing process is further complicating the situation.
If Apple follows through with this delay, it will mark a notable departure from its usual practice of releasing base models alongside Pro variants. Since the iPhone 11, Apple has consistently launched its standard iPhones in tandem with their Pro counterparts.
Looking ahead, rumors suggest that Apple's upcoming September event will showcase the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first folding iPhone, speculated to be named iPhone Ultra. Following this, the iPhone 18, along with the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2, are expected to debut in March 2027.
Source (in Chinese)
